Cushioned bumper



May 28, 1940. J. GxBBoNs 2,202,050

' CUSHIOND BUMPER Filed May 2,.1959

INVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented May 28, 1940 PATENT OFFICE CUSHIONED BUMPER John Gibbons,

Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application May 2, 1939, Serial No. 271,275

Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful irnprovements in a cushion bumper.

More specifically, the invention proposes the construction of a cushion bumper characterized i5 by a plurality of parallel cylinders each having a number of pistons slidably mounted therein with the outermost pistons having piston rods for supporting a bumper in a manner to permit the bumper to move towards the chassis of a vehicle upon which the device is supported.

Still further, it is proposed to arrange springs of various stiness between the faces of the pistons permitting the springs to act as cushions for the bumper when the vehicle strikes an object.

Furthermore, the invention proposes 'various arrangements for securing and holding the parts of the cushioned bumper on the chassis of a motor vehicle or other vehicle.

Still further, it is proposed to provide rods on certain pistons which extend towards the outer ends' of the cylinders in ay manner to control the distance through which the pistons will move with relation to each other.

Still further, the invention proposes a means for adjustably supportingl the rods upon the pistons in a manner to permit them to be moved forwards or rearwards thereon in varying the said relative distance.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawing, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawing forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. l is a plan view of a cushion bumper constructed according to this invention and applied r4.0 to the front end of the chassis of a vehicle.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional View on the line 3--3 of Fig. l.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan View of a cush- (Cl. l293--55) Fig. 8 is a sectional View taken on the line 8 8 of Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view of one of the pistons shown in Fig. 6.

The cushioned bumper, according to this in- [5 vention, includes a plurality of parallel cylinders 30 longitudinally mounted on the front endof a chassis 3l ofv an automobile or other vehicle. These cylinders are mounted between the longitudinal side members 3| a of the chassis. Across 10 the front ends of these side longitudinal members Sie there is a bracket 32. 'Ihis bracket is Xedly mounted upon the chassis. Across the rear ends of the cylinders 33 there is a brace bar 33. This brace bar extends between the longitudinal mem- 15 bers 31a and has end portions 33a engaging over the side members Sla. Braces 3ll and 35 are mounted on the side members Sla and reinforce the bar 33 and assist in xedly holding the bar in position. l

A resilient piston 36 is slidably mounted in the front end of each of the cylinders 30. Piston rods 31 are connected with these pistons -36 f and extend through openings in the bracket 32 and at their outer ends support a bumper 38. Each resilient piston 33 has disc members 31 and 38 mounted upon the faces thereof. Auxiliary resilient pistons 39 are slidably mounted within each cylinder and are spaced from each other. Springs im, 4l and l2 preferably 30 of square cross section are engaged between the pistons. The springs 40 are designed to be the weakest of the groupsr and are engaged between the two outermost pistons. The springs 4I are designed of intermediate strength and are dis- 35 posed between the intermediate pistons 39. The springs 42 are the stiffest of the groups and are Ahoused within the 'inner end of the cylinders.

Each piston 38 has a facing 'i3 of metal. The springs engage these facings to prevent rub- .4 0 bing of the parts, rattling or contacting. At their inner ends, the cylinders 30 are also supported by flanges 44 which are mounted on the bar 33.

Each cylinder 30 includes a stationary half 4.5 section 3l)a and several hingedly mounted sections Bub comprising doors. These doors 301D extend along the entire length of each cylinder. Each door 30h is hingedly mounted at one side by a hinge construction 45. At the other side each door 3l)b is releasab'ly held by a latchlll. .'Ihis latch may be opened and then the door 30h may be opened. 'Ihis gives access to the interior of the cylinder. It is through the open sides of the 'greater than both the springs l5 and il.

cylinders 3U that the pistons and the springs may be engaged therein.

The operation of the device is as follows:

When the bumper 38 strikes an object it will be pressed in, compressing the springs 59, lll and 42. These springs may be so designed that, initially, the spring iii is compressed before the springs il and ft2 are materially affected. Thus the initial resistance to inward motion of the bumper 38 is relatively weak. However, if the force continues the spring il starts to be materially compressed, and nally the spring 42. These springs may be designed so that the coils thereof Contact each other at the point where it is desired that the motion be transmitted to others of the springs within the cylinders. The pistons 39 float within the cylinders and assume positions depending upon the conditions of compression of the springs.

The cushion bumper, according to the form or" the invention shown in Figs. 5 to 9, includes a plurality of parallel cylinders le longitudinally mounted on the iront end of the chassis il. Each of the cylinders il has its front end supported upon a bracket il@ extending across the front end of the chassis ll. Each of the cylinders l has its rear end supported upon a bar l lb extending between the sides of the chassis i l.

A piston i2 is slidably mounted in the outer end of each cylinder ii. Each of the pistons I2 is provided with a piston rod i3, each extends through an opening formed in the bracket Ha of the chassis li. A bumper ifi of conventional construction is supported upon the extended ends of the rods i3 which are supported upon the pistons i2. This construction permits the bumper |`4 to move towards the chassis li in the event the vehicle should strike an immovable object.

Each of the cylinders id has additional pistons l5, slidably mounted therein to the rear or the piston l2. The pistons i2 and i5 are spaced from each other as shown in Fig. 6. Resilient members are arranged between all of the pistons. The resilient members comprise springs. In each cylinder a spring l@ is arranged between the adjacent faces of the piston l2 and its next adjacent piston i5. A second spring lll having a greater stiffness than the spring i@ is arranged between the adjacent faces of the next pistons l5. A third spring i8 is arranged between 'the adjacent faces of the innermost piston i5 and a wall member i5. This spring i8 has a stiiness These springs are preferably or" square cross section.

Rods IS are mounted upon the pistons i5 and extend towards the outer end of the cylinders lli for limiting the distances through which the pistons may move together relative to each other, but not relative to the baci: wall of the cylinders l0. That is, the piston i2 may move through a limited distance compressing the spring i6 until it strikes the rod i9 on the outermost piston l5. This piston i2 may not move any further relative to the piston lo. However, both of these pistons may move relative to the back wall oi the cylinder IE) to compress the spring i'i. In the same manner, when one of the pistons l5 engages the rod i9 mounted on the innermost piston i5, all three of the pistons will move relative to the back wall of the cylinder SG to compress the spring i3. When the pressure on the bumper is relieved, the springs 2G, l?, and i8 will return all of the pistons to their normal positions.

A means is provided for adjusting the rods forwards or rearwards for varying said distances.

Each of the rods i9 is provided with a threaded portion i9@ which threadedly engages through a bushing 2t rotatively supported in a cutout I5a formed in each of the additional pistons. The extended end of each of the rods lG is squared as Shown at I9b and passes through a square opening 2i formed in a bracket 22 mounted on the face of the piston l5. This squared opening through which the square portion of the rod i9 passes prevents the rod from rotating while the rod is being adjusted.

The periphery of the bushing 2D is provided with gear teeth which mesh with the teeth of a worm gear 23 mounted upon a shalt 2-l rotatively extended through the cutout i5 at right angles to the threaded portion E9 of the rod I9. One end 2da of the shaft 2li is extended to the periphery of the piston i5 and is provided with an inwardly extending groove into which the end or" a screw driver is adapted to be engaged in permitting the shaft to be rotated to similarly rotate the worm gear 23. These rotations of the worm gear will be transmitted to the bushing and cause the same to rotate, and extend and retract the rod I9 depending upon the direction the shaft 24 is being turned.

Since the rod i9 is being held against rotating by means of the square portion which engages the square opening, this rod necessarily must be extended and retracted when the shaft 211 is turned. Each of the pistons l5 is provided with a plate 25 mounted upon the face thereof and extending over the cutout l5 for holding the bushing 2E? and the worm gear 23 in position therein.

fis shown in Fig. 6, it will be noted that the rods I9 are staggered with relation to each other to prevent the rear end of the frontmost rod from striking the front end of the rearmost rod in the event a portion of the back end of the frontmost rod should be extended beyond the back face of the piston upon which it is mounted.

Each of the cylinders E has a portion of one of its sides separated from the cylinder forming a door ma which is pivotally supported by means ci a plurality of hinges 26. rFliese hinges 26 permit the door i011 to be opened so that a screw driver1 may be engaged into the groove formed in the shaft 24 for rotating the same. The doors are adapted to be held in a closed position by means of a plurality of cotter pins which extend through the aligned openings formed in a plurality of outwardly extending lugs. formed on the free edge of the door of the adjacent edge cylinder proper.

The faces of the pistons l2 and i5 and the member l5 are provided with a facing of sheet metal 29 for preventing the ends of the springs from coming in direct Contact with the pistons which are formed oi rubber. The pistons are formed of rubber but not for the express purpose of sealing the spaces between the pistons, but rather for silencing the operation thereof. As a matter of fact, it is desired that the air in the chambers between the pistons readily escape from the cylinders when the pistons are moving t0- wards each other so as not to retard this action.

It is to be understood that any number of spring units may be used in connection with my device and that the chambers containing the spring may be either straight or curved as desired.

While have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A cushioned bumper, comprising a plurality of parallelr cylinders for attachment longitudinally on the chassis of a vehicle, a piston slidably mounted in the outer end of each cylinder and having extending piston rods, a bumper member supported on said rods, and each of said cylinders having additional pistons slidably mounted therein at spaced positions and resilient members between all of said pistons and varying in stiffness from each other, each of said cylinders having a plurality of side doors which maybe opened to give access to said pistons and resilient members.

2. A cushioned bumper, comprising a plurality of parallel cylinders for attachment longitudinally on the chassis of a vehicle, a piston slidably mounted in the outer end of each cylinder and having extending piston rods, a bumper member supported on said rods, and each of said cylinders having additional pistons slidably mounted therein at spaced positions and resilient members between all of said pistons and varying in stiiness from each other, each of said cylinders having a plurality of side doors which may be opened to give access to said pistons and resilient members, said resilient members comprising springs.

3. A cushioned bumper, comprising a plurality of parallel cylinders for attachment longitudinally on the chassis of a vehicle, a piston slidably mounted in the outer end of each cylinder and having extending piston rods, a bumper member supported in said rods, and each of said cylinders having additional pistons slidably mounted therein at spaced positions, resilient members between all of said pistons and varying in stiffness from each other, and rods mounted on said additional pistons and extending towards the outer end of the cylinder for limiting the relative distances to which said pistons may move together and means for adjusting the rods forwards or rearwards for varying said relative distances.

4. A cushioned bumper, comprising a plurality of parallel cylinders for attachment longitudinally on the chassis of a vehicle, a piston slidably mounted in the outer end of each cylinder and lhaving extending piston rods, a bumper member supported in said rods, and each of said cylinders having additional pistons slidably mounted therein at spaced positions, resilient members between all of said pistons and varying in stiffness from each other, and rods mounted on said additional pistons and 'extending towards the outer end of the cylinder for limiting the relative distances to which said pistons may move together and means for adjusting the rods forwards or rearwards for varying said relative distances, each of said pistons being provided with a rubber periphery for silencing the sliding action thereof when the pistons move towards each other within said cylinders.

5. A cushioned bumper, comprising a plurality of parallel cylinders for attachment longitudinally on the chassis of a vehicle, a piston slidably mounted in the outer end of each cylinder and having extending piston rods, a bumper member supported in said rods, and each of said cylinders having additional pistons slidably mounted therein at spaced positions, resilient members between all of said pistons and varying in stiffness from each other, and rods mounted on said additional pistons and extending towards the outer end of the cylinder for limiting the relative distances to which said pistons may move together and means for adjusting the rods forwards or rearwards for varying said relative distances, said resilient members comprising springs of various stiffness operating between the adjacent faces of said pistons.

6. A cushioned bumper, comprising a plurality of parallel cylinders for attachment longitudinally on the chassis of a vehicle, a piston slidably mounted in the outer end of each cylinder and having extending piston rods, a bumper member supported in said rods, and each of said cylinders having additional pistons slidably mounted therein at spaced positions, resilient members between all of said pistons and varying in stiffness from each other, and rods mounted on said additional pistons and Aextending towards the outer end of the cylinder for limiting the relative distances to which said pistons may move together and means for adjusting the rods forwards or rearwards for varying said relative distances, said means comprising a bushing rotatively supported within an enlarged opening formed in each of said additional pistons and having a threaded opening through which a threaded portion of said rod extends, gear teeth formed on the periphery of said bushing, and a worm gear meshing with said teeth, a shaft for rotatively supporting said worm gear, and a means for permitting said shaft to be rotated to similarly rotate said worm gear and said bushing.

7. A cushioned bumper, comprising a plurality of parallel cylinders for attachment longitudinally on the chassis of a vehicle, a piston slidably mounted in the outer end of each cylinder and having ext-ending piston rods, a bumper member supported in said rods, and each of said cylinders having additional pistons slidably mounted therein at spaced positions, resilient members between all of said pistons and varying in stiffness from each other, and rods mounted on said additional pistons and extending towards the outer end of the cylinder for limiting the relative distances to which said pistons may move together and means for adjusting the rods forwards or rearwards for varying said relative distances, said means comprising a bushing rotatively supported within an enlarged opening formed in each of said additional pistons and having a threaded opening through which a threaded portion of said rod extends, gear teeth formed on the periphery of said bushing, and a worm gear meshing with said teeth, a shaft for rotatively supporting said worm gear, and a means for permitting said shaft to be rotated to similarly rotate said worm gear and said bushing, said means comprising a groove formed on the extended end of said shaft and into which a screw driver is adapted to be engaged for rotating the same.

8. A cushioned bumper, comprising a plurality of parallel cylinders for attachment longitudinally on the chassis of a vehicle, a piston slidably mounted in the outer end of each cylinder and having extending piston rods, a bumper member supported in said rods, and each of said cylinders having additional pistons slidably together and means for adjusting the rods forwards or rearwards for varying said relative distances, said means comprising a bushing rotatively supported within an enlarged opening formed in each of said additional pistons and having a threaded opening through which a threaded portion of said rod extends, gear teeth formed on the periphery of said bushing, and a worm gear meshing with said teeth, a shaft for rotatively supporting said worm gear, and a means for permitting said shaft to be rotated to similarly rotate said worm gear and said bushing, said means comprising a groove formed on the extended end of said shaft and into which a screw driver is adapted to be engaged for rotating the same, each of said cylinders having a section of its side wall separated and hngedly supported, permitting the same .to be opened to permit a screw driver to be engaged into said groove.

9. A cushioned bumper, comprising a plurality of parallel cylinders for attachment longitudinally on the chassis of a vehicle, a piston slidably mounted in the outer end of each cylinder and having extending piston rods, a bumper member supported in said rods, and each of said cylinders having additional pistons slidably mounted therein at spaced positions, resilient members between all of said pistons and varying in stiffness from each other, and rods mounted on said additional pistons and extending towards the outer end of the cylinder for limiting the relative distances to which said pistons may move together and means for adjusting the rods for wards or rearwards for varying said relative distances, said means comprising a bushing rotatively supported within an enlarged opening formed in each of said additional pistons and having a threaded opening through which a threaded portion of said rod extends, gear teeth formed on the periphery of said bushing, and a worm gear meshing with said teeth, a shaft for rotatively supporting said worm gear, and a means for permitting said shaft to be rotated to similarly rotate said worm gear and said bushing, and a means for holding said rods against rotating while they are being adjusted on said pistons.

l0. A cushioned bumper, comprising a plurality of parallel cylinders for attachment longitudinally on the chassis of a vehicle, a piston slidably mounted in the outer end of each cylinder and having extending piston rods, a bumper member supported in said rods, and each of said cylinders having additional pistons slidably mounted therein at spaced positions, resilient members between all of said pistons and varying in stifness from each other, and rods mounted on said additional pistons and extending towards the outer end of the cylinder for limiting the relative distances to which said pistons may move together and means for adjusting the rods forwards or rearwards for varying said relative distances, said means comprising a bushing rotatively supported within an enlarged opening formed in each of said additional pistons and having a threaded opening through which a threaded portion of said rod extends, gear teeth formed on the periphery of said bushing, and a worm gear meshing with said teeth, a shaft for rotatively supporting said worm gear, and a means ior permitting said shaft to be rotated to similarly rotate said worm gear and said bushing, and a means for holding said rods against rotating while they are being adjusted on said pistons, said means comprising a bracket supported upon each of said pistons and having a squared opening, each of said rods having a square portion extending through said square opening.

JOHN GTBBONS. 

